Well, they say it's for research & the fact we know little about whales and that people are only now "Trying" to prove that there is another way backs up the Japanese claim that there isn't really any other way to research them.

I think as long as they are doing what's needed to ensure that they don't go extinct from hunting then let them get on with it. I think slaughtering 1000 whales is a bit steep for research though.....

Either way, animals the world over are slaughtered for varying reasons. What makes the Whales so special?